German Estates: Hermann Hennen Smooth Freehand Dublin with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

We've seen a great many variations of the Dublin shape over the years, though those such as this piece from German artisan Hermann Hennen are some of my favorites. This piece in particular looks to be a fusion of its namesake and the Pickaxe, as its bowl, rather than sitting atop a rounded, fluid heel, is instead balanced on the sharp spur that's most often seen in the latter shape. Not only does this provide a unique look overall, but it offers an additional sense of firmness to the profile that draws a bit more attention to the bowl and its soft curves that reach toward the rim. A wide transition leads to the trim shank and leaves plenty of room to drape a thumb, and this shank is followed by a stretch of three knuckles of bamboo. The addition of the pale grass here not only works to extend the shank, but to balance out the visual weight of the bowl and add texture to the pipe's otherwise smooth surfaces. Paired to this stretch is a trim saddle stem that's fitted with an expansion ring at the base, continuing the rhythm of the bamboo's knuckles quite nicely. A warm auburn-walnut stain dresses the stummel here, revealing dense streaks of flame grain wrapping the bowl, while the rim is peppered with dense birdseye.